July 31, 2023
As we value transparency and honesty at Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc., we would like to address some of the queries we usually get from the Thomasian doctors for clarification on certain issues they are involved in or have heard about. As much as they have been recurring questions, we have decided to address it so these matters could be put to rest.
We are grateful to everyone for the continuous assistance you extend to the UST FMS and AFI.
1. Can US based Donors donate to UST FMS/Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI) through USTMAAA and avail of US Tax credit?
No, as this donation avenue using the Pass Through mechanism to avail US IRS Tax credit for donations has been discontinued by USTMAAA since May of 2022.
USTMAAA/F does not wish AFI to directly receive or solicit donations from US-based alumni, citing concerns about "donor fatigue".
2. If so, how can US based donors donate and enjoy Tax benefits?
AFI is a recognized U.S. public charity through equivalency determination. This means that US-based donors can now streamline their donations to AFI and be eligible for tax deduction, as it is now recognized as a U.S. public charity under Section 501(c)(3) by virtue of this Equivalency Determination certification.
One can open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). You may go to this link for more information and assistance.
Another option is to donate via Give2Asia. This link will provide more information and assistance.
3. Why was our Class not recognized during the USTMAA Alumni Homecoming of 2022 though we have donated?
USTFMS or AFI cannot and will not acknowledge what it has not received. Donations for the Saints Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center that courses through USTMAAA have not been forwarded to AFI. Dean Maglinao provided a major role and assistance during the solicitation process from the different alumni classes.
4. Will our Class have a naming right if our donation amounted to $100,000 or more?
Yes, if the donation was given directly to AFI or the specific class donation was turned over to AFI.
5. How much do Room Naming Rights cost?
A room or an area of the St. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center housed in the Henry Sy Sr. Hall and a newly-renovated area or room in the St. Martin de Porres Medicine Building for a naming right ranges from $ 100,000.00 to $ 1,000,000.00 depending upon the location, size, and significance of the room or area named.
6. Why was the building named after Henry Sy Sr.?
In September 2021, Drs. Peter and Linda Fang proposed to USTMAAA to match their donation and have the building named after the Association as the Fangs had no desire to be acknowledged with naming. Sadly, the proposal was rejected by the USTMAAA Foundation Board of Directors. Hence, it was offered to Henry Sy, Sr. Foundation, who generously donated PhP 300,000,000 for which the Naming Right for the building was awarded.
To have it named after USTMAAA would have been a most fitting honor to the many US based alumni who continue to be generous to their Alma Mater, as well as, serve as a crowning achievement for USTMAAA for the many years of their support to the FMS.
The construction and equipping of the Building was made possible through the generosity and efforts of Henry Sy Sr. Foundation, the University of Santo Tomas, and Anargyroi.
7. Are US Based Alumni properly represented in the AFI?
As of now, there are no representatives from USTMAAA in the Board of Trustees. In the last Board election, August 26, 2022, USTMAAA declined to send any representatives or candidates.
8. What is Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc.?
Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. is the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery's own foundation and the aggregator of donated funds for the FMS.
For decades, UST FMS has received significant donations and financial support from USTMAAAF which it greatly appreciates. However, the current times necessitates FMS to raise funds independently to maintain its competitive edge. Fundraising has become crucial to adequately support FMS' initiatives necessary to maintain excellence in medical education. The construction of the St. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center which will be housed in the Henry Sy Sr. Hall would not have been possible without Anargyroi.
US-based alumni should view AFI/DO-AR (Development Office-Alumni Relations) in the same light as US medical schools, hospitals, health care organizations and other institutions of learning which employ development offices for financial support through fundraising activities.
9. Is there a conflict between AFI and the alumni organizations, especially USTMAAA?
There should be no conflict of interest present. Anargyroi is for the sole support of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. It welcomes all alumni and their organizations as well as businesses, philanthropic organizations, friends of UST and FMS, current students and parents for their support.
USTMAAA/F have been most supportive during the early years of AFI. However, in recent times, our efforts to achieve continued harmony and synergistic collaboration have been less than ideal.
